Board to adopt new shooting range law

August 21, 2012

YEAGERTOWN - The Derry Township Board of Supervisors will look to adopt a new shooting range ordinance, following discussions at their meeting Monday evening, in Yeagertown.

The current ordinance prohibits shooting ranges within a quarter mile of residential areas. While it allows for conditional use permits, making it possible to have shooting ranges in non-residential, agricultural and forest areas, the new ordinance will expand the restrictions to commercial areas as well. This will provide safety for local residents, while allowing those with the appropriate lands to still have the ability to make and use shooting ranges, the supervisors said.

The new ordinance will also repeal an ordinance from 1954, which currently states firearms are not allowed to be discharged in Derry Township. Solicitor Jeff Snook will have the ordinance available for review at the next supervisors' meeting.

The board also made a motion to allow the Mifflin County Solid Waste Authority to place plastic bottle recycling bins in the township. This will run as a test pilot program, and will allow residents to recycle food and cleaning jugs or bottles appropriately. Type one and type two plastics will be accepted. Recyclable containers are marked with a triangle containing a number on the bottom.

Finally, the board made a motion to approve a memorial park bench as well as a benefit at Derry Township Community Park for Lauren Metz. The board will provide funding for the bench in memory of Metz, who died as a result of being struck by a falling tree branch in the park during a severe thunderstorm. A benefit for the Lauren Metz family will also be held Sept. 15, in the green pavilion and stage of the park. The benefit will include motorcycle rides, a concert and other various activities.

The board will hold its next meeting at 5:30 p.m. Sept. 4, in the Derry Township building in Yeagertown.